Grandmother Saves Child’s Life on Halloween

Nancy Trimble on

A grandmother in Cleburne risked her life to save her grandson from being hit by a car on Halloween Eve and is listed in serious condition. Police said the accident occurred when Terri Shelby, 61, was struck in the 900 block of North Nolan River. Shelby was airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Members of Shelby’s family told reporters that the woman had been out trick-or-treating with her 3-year-old grandson and his mother at the Halloween festivities being held at Nolan River Mall. The family was walking back to their vehicle at the time of the accident.

Shelby pushed her grandson out of the way of an oncoming car that was bearing down on her grandson and stepped between the car and the child. Shelby took the brunt of the impact.

The heroic grandmother is currently in an intensive care unit, while the child suffered only minor injuries in the accident. The boy’s mother has also been hospitalized. Police indicate that the driver who hit the family did stop to help. However, witnesses to the incident said that the driver only did so when forced to by a group of church members.

Law enforcement is treating the incident as an accident because it occurred on a five lane road and because the area is not well lit. Police said that the driver will probably not face charges in the accident.

According to a recent study, the number of pedestrian-vehicle accidents tends to jump as much as 25% around the holiday of Halloween when compared to the rest of the year. Halloween can be dangerous for kids because the excitement of the night can get in the way of keeping a mind toward safety. When you are out with kids trick-or-treating, it’s important to keep one eye on the kids, being aware of what is going on around you at all times. This is true whether you are a pedestrian or a driver.

The best way to keep children safe and their chaperones safe while trick-or-treating, is to stay on sidewalks, cross streets at the corner. Try to avoid crossing yards because of potential unseen hazards. Children should also wear bright, reflective clothing and should travel in small groups with at least one adult accompanying them.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a personal injury accident over the Halloween holiday or at any other time, give us a call. Our attorneys will take the time to discuss your case with you and give you sound legal advice with regard to your accident or personal injury lawsuit. Medical costs, loss of work and ongoing medical expenses can all play a part in your settlement. We have years of experience and are here to help. Your initial consultation with our offices is free and without obligation to you.